Running Man

A few nights ago, The Running Man was on TV. I'm sure your remember that horrid piece of cinema starring California's current Governor. I almost forgot how cheesy some 80s movies really are. I know I'm supposed to suspend my disbelief and all that, but really I have an easier time believing that Bert and Ernie are real than I do believing that Awnolde is a contestant in some whacko futuristic gameshow.

Nonetheless, I sat through it. Why? Because it reminds me of my teenage years. And, it keeps my mind off the freakin' market. Ugh!!!!

Got 4 miles in today. 12 tomorrow.

Woot!!
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To donate to the Carolyn E. Miller Steps for Solace Fund, please click here. I am raising $25 thousand to provide comfort and solace to cancer patients seeking treatment.

Brrr....

Man it was cold this morning. When I left the house for my run it was 39 degrees. I actually wore a stocking cap. I got in 6 miles.

Steph is sick...really sick. She actually had to call off of work. She is congested and has a horrible cough. We originally thought it was allergies, but it looks like it's the creeping crud. She hasn't gotten much running in do to her illness. I hope I don't get it. I would hate to run the mary with a horrible cold. Although, I would if I had to. No way would I do all of this training and not run :)

Tomorrow is 5 miles and then 4 on Friday.

You cannot fool the chicken!!!!


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To donate to the Carolyn E. Miller Steps for Solace Fund, please click here. I am raising $25 thousand to provide comfort and solace to cancer patients seeking treatment.

Last 20 miler

On Saturday I ran the last 20-miler of my training....whew!!! It' all down hill from here until the marathon.

I ran the 20 in 2:55:30 for a 8:46/mile pace. The run was about as perfect as it gets. I had my hydration down perfect. I didn't have to stop for a potty break and ran the entire distance non-stop.

Steph usually meets me at Mile 18 for some hydration, but I was about 15 minutes ahead of schedule so I actually beat her.

The weather was also perfect. It started in the low 50s and ended in the high 60s. I wore a long sleeve shirt that worked out pretty well. It was a little warm towards the end, but worked out fine.

Steph got her 10 miles in and then drove to Morgantown to pick me up. I couldn't have asked for a better long run before the marathon. I'm really happy with the way everything has gone in the training (with the exception of the pain in my calf). I can say, without a doubt, that I am more than ready for this thing. I've run about 200-300 more miles this go round in preparation for this year's marathon. I can tell the difference it has made. I also think my weight training over the winter and the swimming and cycling have helped.

Now I just have to keep from becoming ancy until the race :)

Next week is 5-6-5-4-12.

Woot!!
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To donate to the Carolyn E. Miller Steps for Solace Fund, please click here. I am raising $25 thousand to provide comfort and solace to cancer patients seeking treatment.

Trinity A1--My new best friend

I dropped by my local bike shop today. Ohhhhhh, man. I found the bike I think. One of my students who is a major bike aficionado and is the VP the WVU cycling team pointed me in the direction of the one I looked at today. It is a Tri bike that has a lot of standard Aero gear (including Aero bars) and it's not incredibly expensive. The decision is do I get a regular road bike now and then buy a Tri bike later, or just spend more and get the Tri bike now. I'm leaning towards getting the Tri bike now as my schedule has me doing 2-3 Half Ironmans next year.

Ok, so get ready for some boring cycling talk. If you're not interested, just skip to the end :)

The bike is a 2008 Giant Trinity A1. Here are two pictures I took at the shop (click on them for bigger pictures):




The listed price is $1799.00, but the guy I spoke with is a friend of a friend so he says $1,500-$1,600 is doable. Here are the specs. It has an aluminum/carbon blend frame and I can literally hold it over my head with one hand because it is so light. It has 42mm Aero rims with a full composite fork. Shimano 105 hardware with Shimano Ultegra Rear Derailleur and Shimano Dura-Ace Shifters.

I think I'm in love....sorry Steph.

Now on to the really cool part about this. So remember I wanted folks to give me cash instead of gifts this Christmas so that I can buy this bike? The idea was that I would then have 'everyone' with me on the course while I train and then eventually when I race. That is, since you bought it for me, you'll be with me when I ride it.

Well, Steph and I were talking yesterday and to make it even cooler, we decided that it would AWESOME if people who are helping me buy this would write their name or a message on the bike. You could draw a picture, whatever you want. The only caveat is that Steph gets the spot directly below my line of sight so that I can always see what she's written. Other than that, you can write/draw what you want. Anything :)

I didn't get a chance to ride it today, but will do so next week. The bike is sized for me (we figured this out today). Next week will be the determining factor, but it seems to line up pretty nice with my body so far.

Welcome to my new obsession!!!

5 down today, 20 tomorrow.

Woot!!!
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To donate to the Carolyn E. Miller Steps for Solace Fund, please click here. I am raising $25 thousand to provide comfort and solace to cancer patients seeking treatment.

10 life lessons I learned from running

Today's theme over at Runner's Lounge is "Life Lessons from Running". So, here are my 10 lessons I've learned from running:

1. Running forces you to admit that you are strong.
2. Running causes people to perceive you differently.
   
3. Running forces you to admit that you are weak.
   
4. Running causes your body and mind to change in ways you never thought possible.
5. Running makes non-running people around you change.
   
6. Running is pain.
7. Pain is good.
8. Running is a lifestyle.
9. I am a better husband and friend because I run.
10. I enjoy life more because I run.

5 miles tomorrow, then 20 on Saturday.

Woot!

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To donate to the Carolyn E. Miller Steps for Solace Fund, please click here. I am raising $25 thousand to provide comfort and solace to cancer patients seeking treatment.